抑扬顿挫

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: yì yáng dùn cuò
• English Translation: Modulation and rhythm in speech or tone; speaking with varied pitch and cadence to create a pleasing and expressive flow
• Idiom Composition: 「抑」（To suppress, to lower）＋「扬」（To raise, to lift）＋「顿」（To pause, to take a breath）＋「挫」（To restrain, to weaken momentum）
• Meaning: Refers to the variation in tone, pitch, pauses, and intensity in speech or writing, creating a sense of rhythm. It is mainly used in spoken language, recitation, and music to express richness that captivates the listener.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「抑扬顿挫」 contains the following nuances:

• Variation in tone: Refers to skillfully changing pitch, volume, and duration of the voice.
• Sense of rhythm: The rhythm created by tonal variations, which has a pleasing effect on the listener.
• Expressive richness: Indicates the ability to express emotions and scenes vividly rather than speaking monotonously.
• Artistic quality: Used not only in speech and recitation but also in music and writing as a form of artistic expression.

3. Usage

「抑扬顿挫」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Evaluating speech and recitation: Used to describe skillful speech or recitation that captivates the audience.
  • Example:「他的演讲抑扬顿挫，非常吸引人。」
    （His speech has great modulation and rhythm, making it very captivating.）
• Musical expression: Used to describe musical performances that have rhythm and rich expression.
  • Example:「这段音乐抑扬顿挫，让人听了心情愉悦。」
    （This piece of music has expressive modulation and rhythm, making listeners feel joyful.）
• Expressiveness in writing: Used to describe writing that has rhythm and the power to engage readers.
  • Example:「这篇文章的叙述抑扬顿挫，引人入胜。」
    （The narration in this article has modulation and rhythm, making it captivating.）

Additional Examples:

1. 她朗读诗歌时，声音抑扬顿挫，富有感染力。
   （When she recites poetry, her voice has expressive modulation and rhythm, full of impact.）
2. 他弹奏钢琴时，指法抑扬顿挫，令人赞叹。
   （When he plays the piano, his fingerwork shows expressive modulation and rhythm, impressing everyone.）
3. 优秀的播音员都懂得运用抑扬顿挫的技巧来吸引听众。
   （Excellent announcers all know how to use the technique of modulation and rhythm to attract their audience.）
4. 这篇小说情节跌宕起伏，语言抑扬顿挫，读起来让人欲罢不能。
   （This novel has a dramatic plot and language with expressive modulation and rhythm, making it hard to put down.）
5. 老师讲课时，声音抑扬顿挫，生动有趣，同学们都听得津津有味。
   （When the teacher lectures, the voice has expressive modulation and rhythm, making the class lively and interesting, and the students listen attentively.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Importance of tonal variation in Chinese: Chinese is a tonal language where differences in tone change meaning, making tonal variation crucial in pronunciation. '抑扬顿挫' goes beyond correct pronunciation to skillfully manipulate tones to enhance expressiveness.
• Traditional aesthetic values: In traditional Chinese poetry and opera, rhythm and meter have been highly valued. '抑扬顿挫' reflects this traditional aesthetic appreciation for rhythm and modulation.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 声情并茂 (shēng qíng bìng mào): Speaking vividly with rich emotion.
  • 铿锵有力 (kēng qiāng yǒu lì): Having a strong, clear, and forceful voice or words.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 平淡无奇 (píng dàn wú qí): Ordinary and uninteresting.
  • 索然无味 (suǒ rán wú wèi): Completely dull and tasteless.

6. Summary

'抑扬顿挫' is an important element for enhancing expressiveness in Chinese, used in spoken language, recitation, music, and writing. Understanding this idiom allows learners to appreciate the depth and beauty of Chinese and provides valuable insight for improving their own expressive skills.